Newcastle eyeing Champions League stopper and French star as Trafford doubts emerge

Newcastle United's goalkeeping department could be set for a significant change in 2026.

Last week, The Athletic reported that this position is deemed an area of 'critical concern' that will be addressed next summer, with Nick Pope nearing the end of his current deal and Aaron Ramsdale's future up in the air midway through his loan switch from Southampton.

With Pope nearing 34 and poor on the ball, Ramsdale signed as competition on a low-risk deal after we missed out on top target James Trafford to Man City, we're expected to be in the market for a new No.1 next summer.

A renewed attempt to sign Trafford feels like a no-brainer now Gianluigi Donnarumma has immediately taken up a first choice role at the Etihad, but the iPaper report that wages and City's transfer demands make it far from straightforward.

With that in mind, it's interesting to see two names that have emerged as potential alternatives to the England talent, with one being Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel.

The Athletic report that the 28-year-old Swiss international is well liked on Tyneside, and he could be one that ticks plenty boxes as a 6ft 5" stopper with 40 Champions League appearances to his name.

A less experienced but highly-rated alternative may be France under-21 international Guillaume Restes, who currently plays for Ligue 1 side Toulouse.

The iPaper's Mark Douglas has revealed that Newcastle scouts have been to watch the 21-year-old in 'recent weeks', highlighting our ongoing pursuit of top young European talent after Ross Wilson's recent hint towards shopping abroad.

Restes has kept five clean sheets in 15 Ligue 1 games this season and played for France's senior side at the Olympics last year, starting five of their six games, including a defeat to Spain in the final.

Trafford could make a lot of sense given our 18-month pursuit and his interest in making the move happen prior to Man City's decision to re-sign him. But if our attempt to land him at the third attempt fails in 2026, Kobel and Restes.